June 2023

Can you get an automatic divorce if you have been separated from your husband or wife for a set period?

Who gets the car in a financial settlement following divorce can be a very contentious issue between husband and wife. Whilst to some a car is just a car, to others who gets the car is a significant concern.

If you cannot agree on whether your children should live with you or the contact arrangements after your separation or divorce, then you or your ex-partner will need to apply to the court for a child arrangements order.

If you are in a new relationship but have not obtained a divorce financial settlement from your former spouse it can be worrying to think that your new partner’s financial circumstances and assets could get dragged into your divorce.

Our mediator, Jane-Louise urges separated parents to plan ahead for the school holidays.

It is understandable to assume there are financial settlement time limits to bring a financial claim because there are time limits to start civil proceedings. However, technically there are no time limits; you can get married and divorced in your twenties and then (provided you have not remarried in the meantime) start financial settlement proceedings when you are in your sixties.

Do you have parental responsibility for your child? Can you stop your ex-partner from getting parental responsibility for your child? What rights does having parental responsibility give you?

Worrying about who will get the house in a divorce is a natural concern when you are thinking about separation. We recommend that you speak to a family law solicitor to discuss your circumstances, divorce and what may happen during any financial settlement.